Developing drugs to reduce brain inflammation in HIV patients who use cocaine.
Official title: Development of NLRP3 inhibitors for HIV-associated neuroinflammation in cocaine use.
Funded at University of Texas El Paso · NIH-10808817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and cocaine use can affect thinking and memory, and it aims to find new treatments that can help reduce brain inflammation and improve mental health for people dealing with these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $263,119 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA059788-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10808817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-1-infected individuals who experience cognitive impairments and have a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not HIV-1 infected or do not have cognitive impairments related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing cognitive impairments in HIV-1-infected patients, particularly those who also use cocaine. It investigates the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in neuroinflammation, which is exacerbated by cocaine use. The study aims to develop specific inhibitors that can target this inflammasome to reduce inflammation and improve neurological health. By understanding how chronic inflammation affects the brain in these patients, the research seeks to create effective therapies that can alleviate cognitive and neurological issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and overall brain health in HIV patients who struggle with substance abuse.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies suggest that similar strategies may hold promise in managing neuroinflammation in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kulkarni, Amol Anant — University of Texas El Paso
- Study coordinator: Kulkarni, Amol Anant
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.